Home
+
Published : 03 Jun 2026, 05:16 PM
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed has described Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman’s victory in the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) presidential election as a triumph for all citizens of Bangladesh.
She also said any decision on the future management of the foreign ministry while Khalilur serves in the UN post will rest with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
Speaking at the foreign ministry on Wednesday, Shama said Bangladesh had also secured notable achievements at the United Nations during the tenure of BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman.
She said Zia had pursued a “Bangladesh First” foreign policy based on engagement with all countries, adding that Tarique took that approach “a step further” after forming the government.
According to the state minister, Bangladesh has secured a prestigious place on the global stage under the prime minister’s leadership, making the achievement a victory for the country’s 170 million people.
On Tuesday, Khalilur was elected president of the 81st session of the General Assembly at the UN headquarters in New York, defeating Andreas Kakouris, special envoy to Cyprus's foreign minister.
Shama said the victory came through “the prime minister’s leadership as well as Khalilur’s qualifications, capabilities and acceptance among UN member states”.
She also thanked those involved in the three-month campaign and officials and employees at Bangladesh’s 81 missions abroad for their contribution.
Asked who would oversee the foreign ministry if Khalilur takes up the full-time UN assignment, Shama said “the ministry’s future remained bright and Bangladeshis should take pride in the achievement”.
She said the world is now talking about Bangladesh and that the government is pleased with the recognition.
On Khalilur’s future responsibilities, she said he would need to dedicate time to the UN role if required, but that did not automatically mean he could no longer remain foreign minister.
Any such arrangement, she said, would be decided by the prime minister in consultation with Khalilur.
Asked whether the foreign minister would take a one-year leave of absence, Shama said that decision would be made by Khalilur himself.
On whether an acting foreign minister would be appointed, she said that too is a matter for the prime minister.
“In his strong leadership, when we have been able to achieve this victory, how the foreign ministry will run will also be decided by him,” she added.
